Back to the future for Richard Branson's retro 80s speedboat

Speed machine – In 1986 business mogul Richard Branson smashed the record for the fastest crossing of the Atlantic in his powerboat, Virgin Atlantic Challenger II.

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Three decades later – But almost 30 years later, his legendary vessel has been discovered languishing in a Spanish boat yard.

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Team work – That was until British boat builder Dan Stevens (far right) got his hands on it. The former naval officer now plans to restore the historic vessel to her former glory, touring her across the UK.

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Faded but not forgotton – The 22-meter boat still bears the Virgin emblem -- albeit a little faded. "Cosmetically, she's dusty, the paint is starting to peel, and the fuel tanks need to be reinstated," Stevens says.

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Time warp – Inside, the boat remains largely untouched. "It's like stepping back in time," says Stevens. "It still has all the Virgin livery, original charts, electronics and seats."

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Back to the future – Branson himself has backed the ambitious plan, tweeting: "Mission to save VirginAtlantic Challenger II, great to see I'm not the only boating fanatic! Best of luck team."

"She could have very easily been set for the scrapyard," he said. "Many people had seen her, but I think a lot had been scared off by the amount of work needed."

Challenger II may have cemented her place in maritime history, but it wasn't all smooth sailing for the record-breaking Atlantic crossing.

Branson's first attempt at the Blue Riband Transatlantic Challenge -- the award for the fastest crossing of the ocean -- ended in disaster in 1985 when Virgin Atlantic Challenger I sunk off the south west coast of England.